Northern Lakes League (NLL) Preview
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The NLL makes up a large portion of the Division I programs in NW Ohio. Last season was a successful year with 3 teams making the District Finals. Repeating the feat will have it’s own issues, but the league will…
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Continue ReadingThe NLL makes up a large portion of the Division I programs in NW Ohio. Last season was a successful year with 3 teams making the District Finals. Repeating the feat will have it’s own issues, but the league will again be competitive.
- Perrysburg– The Yellow Jackets were in the District Finals a year ago and will be bringing back 3 of their top 5 from last year. Senior heavy and physical, Perrysburg will be led by Matt Watkins Matt Watkins 6'2" | CG Perrysburg | 2023 State OH (Sr), Avery Hunt (Sr), and Andrew Hunt (Sr). This should make the Yellow Jackets not only the best team in the NLL but also in NW Ohio in Division I.
- Bowling Green– The Bobcats were in the middle of the pack last year, but should be improved with a nice group returning for another year. Jabari Conway Jabari Conway 6'8" | C Bowling Green | 2023 State OH (Sr) brings physicality while Brayden Freyman Brayden Freyman 5'10" | CG Bowling Green | 2024 OH (Jr) returns for backcourt support. Missing Ryan Jackson will be a lot but it should still be a good year for the Bobcats.
- Anthony Wayne– Generals were in the bottom half of the league, but should be a better team come 2023. Parker Schofield Parker Schofield 6'2" | CG Anthony Wayne | 2023 State OH (Sr) and Aiden Schmenk Aiden Schmenk 6'5" | PG Anthony Wayne | 2023 OH (Sr) both will be back and have senior leadership needed for the Generals to compete at the top of the league this year.
- Northview– The Wildcats were undefeated in the NLL and impressive during the year last season. They do lose an incredible senior class which includes 3 All-District players which will be very tough to replicate. Nic Echelmeyer (Jr), Drew Barnesky Drew Barnesky 6'0" | SG Sylvania Northview | 2024 State OH (Jr), and Logan Horton (So) all return along with Alan Horton (Fr) incoming. Returning to the Regional Semifinals is going to be tough to do, but they’ll still be competitive.
- Southview– The Cougars lose 3 of their top 4 from a team that was competitive last season. While they lose their size, the guard play will have some experience in Micah Bays Micah Bays 6'2" | CG Sylvania Southview | 2024 State OH (Jr) who was impressive in the AAU scene. Always a tough team and can battle it out during league play.
- Napoleon– Wildcats were District Runner-Ups last year in Division II, but will be without 2 of their top 3 from that team. Caden Kruse Caden Kruse 6'6" | PF Napoleon | 2024 State OH (Jr) played well during the AAU campaign and will look to bring that over into NLL. Napoleon will compete in Division II but will struggle from a league perspective.
- Maumee– Struggled within the league a year ago. Not bringing back enough.
- Springfield– Really struggled in league play and not bringing back much production from 2 win team.